Am J Psychiatry 1979; 136:1157-1161
Copyright © 1979 by American Psychiatric Association
Developing a curriculum in psychogeriatrics
MD Blumenthal, JW Davie and RK Morycz
Psychiatric problems are rampant among the aged, yet the psychiatric
profession has not developed sufficient resources for training the
necessary number of practitioners able and willing to treat elderly
psychiatric patients. The management of psychiatric problems in old age
differs substantially from that in younger age groups. The elderly patient
is likely to have multiple needs and to require diverse services.
Fundamental goals in training geriatric psychiatrists should focus on
differential diagnosis and treatment, pharmacologic issues, consultation,
community resources, and psychiatric, medical, and psychosocial aspects of
care. The authors describe a curriculum tailored to meet these goals.
